January Bergren Forum focuses on diversity in supermarket aisles
1/15/09

Dan Napolitano, director of Student Activities at Alfred University, will present “Diversity in the Supermarket Aisle” on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at the first Bergren Forum of the spring semester. The program begins at 12:10 p.m. at Powell Campus Center’s Nevins Theatre. This event is free of charge and open to the public.

During the forum, Napolitano will introduce the stories behind consumer products found on supermarket shelves such as the history of Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, Chiquita Banana, and Juan Valdez.

Napolitano earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Alfred University. He has been instrumental in several successful programs across the AU campus. He helped to initiate the Cultural Café, which was recognized as the best multicultural program in the nation by the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA). He also launched the “Alfies” – AU’s version of the Academy Awards, which was also an award winning program by NACA. Napolitano also coordinated the ALANA (African, Latino, Asian and Native American) organization from 1994-2007.

The Bergren Forum, sponsored by the Alfred University Division of Human Studies, meets Thursdays during each academic semester at the University. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch; coffee and tea will be available.